Spirituality Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Spirituality, including details on effects in health care, religion, psychology.

Integrative review of research related to meditation, spirituality, and the elderly.

Lindberg DA

Recently, increased attention has been given to meditation-relaxation strategies to improve physical health, reduce pain, enhance immune response, improve emotional well-being, and foster spiritual growth. This article reviews research conducted in the last 25 years about meditation and spirituality, in particular as it relates to the health of the elderly. This review supports the hypothesis that meditation can be taught to the elderly, even those with dementia. The results also support the hypothesis that meditation and spiritual practices could promote significant social and emotional benefits for those in social isolation. Specific treatment plan interventions for nursing homes are discussed. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of various types of meditative and spiritual practices to nursing home residents.

Published 23 December 2005 in Geriatr Nurs, 26(6): 372-7.
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